Trainer Joe Pride is satisfied with how Ceolwulf has progressed leading into his first-up run at Randwick this weekend.
Despite the likelihood of testing conditions, Pride said he would not shy away from starting the gelding in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
The Randwick track was rated a Heavy 10 on Tuesday afternoon, with further rain forecast throughout the week. The course also lost its August 9 meeting after heavy downpours forced a race eve abandonment.
Pride, however, said Ceolwulf’s prior record on wet ground was an advantage. “It won’t be a problem for him,” Pride said. “He ran a place in the (Australian) Derby, and he won a race on the wet last prep.”
“It’s not ideal to be first-up on heavy, but you can’t wait forever, especially with the weather in Sydney as you would never get a run into a horse if you were waiting for a dry track. He’s had his two trials, which is good. He’s had a nice, even preparation into it and seems to be coming up well.”
Ceolwulf put together a brilliant spring last year with Group 1 victories in the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes, both over 1600m at Randwick. Pride said another tilt at the King Charles was a strong possibility before considering Melbourne options.
“I haven’t finalised his program yet, but we’ll more than likely keep him in Sydney,” Pride said. “I would love to have him in Melbourne for at least a run or two, but that may not be until Flemington.”
Ceolwulf has yet to race in Melbourne, and Pride admitted the left-handed racing there presents a query. “I’ve never been a fan of working reverse as our tracks aren’t set up for that and I feel like it’s a bit of a compromise to the preparation,” Pride said. “Once a horse gets to his age and he can’t run fast left and right, he might be in a bit of trouble. One thing he is, he’s an athlete.”